Select Board
Town Hall
A meeting of the Selectboard
Meeting of Selectboard
Members: (Quorum)
- Present: Peter d'Errico, at 7:00 PM
- Present: Tom Hankinson, at 7:00 PM
- Present: Julie Shively, Chair, at 7:00 PM
Also Present:
- Present: Peter d.
- Tom H.
- Julie S.
- Margie M.
- Lisa S.
- George from the MR
- Isaiah R.
- Sofia B.
- Aaron B.
- Shannon G.
- and Josh N. all from the Social Justice Com.
Final Minutes
Meeting opened: 7:00 PM
Meeting closed: 9:44 PM
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Meeting Preliminaries
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Meeting Opened / Attendance Taken (see above).
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Minutes Approved: Tue, Sep 1 - Select Board
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Minutes Approved: Tue, Sep 29 - Select Board/Finance Committee
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Log-in information
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- - Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://www.gotomeet.me/townleverett/selectboard-meeting You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (408) 650-3123 Access Code: 502-625-813
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Appointments
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Business
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Accept Polling Place Change
MOTION, moved by Julie Shively, seconded by Peter d'Errico: Motion: To accept the Town Clerk’s report on polling places changes and support the relocation of the November 3 Election to the Elementary School. Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Pass: Aye: Julie Shively, Peter d'Errico, Tom Hankinson.
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Approve minutes of Sept. 29
General Discussion...
The minutes of the September 29 meeting were not approved. A very lengthy discussion ensued about the procedure for seconding a motion at a Select Board meeting. Tom had some changes he wanted reflected in the minutes that Peter thought were not reflective of the meeting. -
Biomass letter
MOTION, moved by Julie Shively, seconded by Peter d'Errico: Motion: To sign the letter of support for Biomass restrictions. Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Pass: Aye: Julie Shively, Peter d'Errico, Tom Hankinson.
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Black Lives Matter Proposal
General Discussion...
Back Lives Matter Proposal
Tom H. brought forth a proposal for the board to consider. He wanted the board to support BLM and the Social Justice Com. by purchasing and hanging Black Lives Matter banners on the Town common. In addition to the Social Justice Com. members listed above there were several residents on the call “at the meeting.” Brooke T. was the first to comment and he thought that it was a terrible idea. He felt that it would undermine confidence in the Select Board whose job it is to represent all residents. He suggested a citizen’s petition at town meeting was a better avenue for this kind of action. Tom W. was adamant that the board put up a sign and said that it was absolutely appropriate and an important statement. Peter and Julie felt that Select Board money could not be used to purchase a banner and also supported a citizen’s petition as the most equitable solution. Both clearly stated, their support for the movement and what it stands for, going so far is to put personal money on the table for the purchase of the banners. Several call-in attendees spoke at length about the issue.MOTION, moved by Julie Shively, seconded by Peter d'Errico: Motion: To put a BLM banner on the common, not paid for with Select Board funds. No vote taken.
Pass: Aye: Julie Shively, Peter d'Errico, Tom Hankinson.
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Coop Beer/wine License Renewal Fee Reduction?
General Discussion...
The board decided to reduce the fee for the Coop’s 2 beer and wine licenses to $125 each (from $250 each). -
COVID Issues
General Discussion...
Margie and Jim F. will meet on Thursday to review the list of requests from departments for CARES funds. There was some miscommunication between the town and school about who was applying for money and in what amounts. Bruce T. from Union 28 called in to help clarify what the school has requested directly from the account and how to communicate better with Margie about spending from the account as it is intended to be used by all town departments.
FEMA requests are due this week. -
Green Communities Grant projects/contracts
General Discussion...
The Green Communities funds will be spent on energy efficient lighting at the Town Hall and the purchase of the street lights then replacement of all bulbs in street lights with LED bulbs. -
Review STM warrant
General Discussion...
The STM warrant motions were reviewed. -
Right of first refusal, Amherst Rd.
General Discussion...
Signed. -
Statement @ DESE Municipal Funding for Education Study
General Discussion...
The board reviewed the spread sheets concerning the state funding formula but decided to send their own letter rather than sign onto the form letter. Peter will draft a letter from Leverett. The board agreed to send his letter. -
VOIP Project
General Discussion...
Margie reported that the construction costs for the switch to VOIP will cost about $5,000. Seven-thousand was approved at Town Meeting. Bruce from Union 28 agreed that it is needed for the school. Monthly costs for each building were reviewed.MOTION, moved by Julie Shively, seconded by Peter d'Errico: Motion: To sign the contract for the installation of VOIP services. Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Pass: Aye: Julie Shively, Peter d'Errico, Tom Hankinson.
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Wendell Police Regionalization
General Discussion...
Wendell’s lawyer drew up a MOU for the months of October -December with a cost of $3667.00/mo. If the arrangement with Wendell is desirable for all, during those three months a more permanent agreement will be drafted. Wendell’s part-time officer will become a Leverett PD employee. A three-month MOU was signed and an amendment to the Union Contract was signed.
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Sign
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Warrant for November Election
General Discussion...
Signed.
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Mail
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FCCIP Letter, Lisa's Gazette article
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Meeting Wrap-up
- Next Meetings:
- Sat, Oct 24, at 12:00 PM "Special Town Meeting" -- Town Hall
- Tue, Oct 27, at 7:00 PM "Select Board" -- Town Hall
- Tue, Nov 10, at 7:00 PM "Select Board" -- Town Hall
- Tue, Nov 24, at 7:00 PM "Select Board" -- Town Hall
- Tue, Dec 8, at 7:00 PM "Select Board Remote Meeting" -- Town Hall
- Tue, Dec 22, at 7:00 PM "Select Board Remote Meeting" -- CANCELLED -- Town Hall
- Next Meetings:
Minutes prepared by Lisa Stratford
Minutes approved on Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021